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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller Posted Apr 2, 2021 at 10:13 PM
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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Nina Meiller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 2, 2021
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With love and admiration for Barbara, Nina Meiller planted a tree in memory of Barbara Smykowski
Friday, April 2, 2021
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May the branches of this tree reach all of Barbara's loved ones and may the roots keep you all connected to her! She was a very special lady! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Nina Meiller posted a condolence
Friday, April 2, 2021
Dear Smykowski Family & Friends...
Please accept my deepest condolences of the loss of Barbara last April. I just learned of her passing today. If I learned of it at the time I would have made every effort to attend her service if it was permissible due to Covid restrictions.
Barbara holds a very special place in my heart! I met her at Spring Meadows in Naperville, when she & my father in law Fred Meiller were residents there. Barbara stood out to me from the very first day I saw her.
We met when I witnessed her trying to get a kite in the air in a nearby patch of grass near the parking lot of the facility. I pulled in to visit Fred and saw Barbara struggling to get the kite in the air. I ran inside the building and grabbed my father in law in his wheelchair and we sped off to the parking lot. Fred asked where we were going in such a hurry, I said, "you will see, someone may need our help"!
Once we arrived in the small open field where Barbara was I asked her if she needed help getting her kite in the air, to which she replied, "no I will get it"! I was in awe of her determination to attempt this feat on her own, especially given lack of low wind and her evident disability. After many attempts and her willingness for just a little assistance we managed to get the kite in the air. I encouraged Barbara to give out more & more string as the wind took it higher & higher. You can see such joy in her face in in her smile as the kite soared.
While Barbara held onto the kite, as it dipped and rose high in the sky, we got to know each other. I learned that she loved to fly kites ever since she was a child & she shared fond memories of her times in Door County. As we talked and I learned more about her it turned out we had something significant in common. We both once lived a short distance from one another a long time ago. I learned that she raised her family in Calumet City & I grew up in Burnham, just a few miles from each other. What a small world! We reminisced about all of the things in the two small towns that we were familiar with. The memories took us both back in time!
We spent a few hours talking and flying the kite. When it was time to bring the kite down Barbara & I worked together to bring it in. I reeled in the string as she wound it up. I will never forget that day....my father in law & I reveled in the joy the kite flying brought to us... it made us feel like a kid again!
I visited Fred at Spring Meadows on average 5 days out of the week. I lost my husband, his son, to cancer the year before and it was just Dad & I now. We needed each other during that difficult time! I enjoyed my visits and also enjoyed volunteering for bingo & other games with the residents, but especially happy hour every Friday. I always made sure to seek out Barbara and ask if she wanted to participate in the activities. Often times she did and she even played the piano for the residents. She was quite talented!
Barbara was one of the most incredible residents there in my eyes....she never let her disability get in the way! She was quite an inspiration to watch!! Her attitude about it was remarkable! She told me, "I have a choice...I can let it get me down and wallow up and die or I can rise above it and accept it"! She chose to accept it and not let it ruin the life she still had in her, even on the tough days!
It wasn't long before I knew our meeting was not just a coincidence. It became clear real quick that we were meant to meet! One day Fred, Barbara & I were sitting out in the courtyard visiting & I was sharing a beautiful story with her of a reconnection I made with a friend from my childhood, who was from Burnham. I hadn't seen my friend in over 35 years, we connected on Facebook and had just gotten together for a reunion. I was telling Barbara about that reunion and much it meant to me.
I shared my friends name, Janet, and also her mothers name, Bonnie. I said that they held a very special place in my heart & that the reunion was so special!! At the age of 16 I ran away from home because of an abusive mother. I came from a large family with 10 children. Janet was my best friend at the time and she asked her parents if I could stay with them. Her family took me in despite having 9 children of their own. Bonnie made a sweet make shift bedroom in the basement for Janet & I. I lived with Janet's family for 4 months. While there, I was shown so much love & treated just like one of the family. It was then that I learned that what I was living at home was "NOT" normal like I always believed it was.
While sharing my beautiful reunion story with Barbara she had a look of curiosity on her face, as though she recognized those names, and she then asked me what their last name was. I told her Lichnerowicz, to which she smiled very big and said, "I know them"! She went on to tell me that her husband was best friends with Bonnie's husband Mickey and that they were even buried near each other. She said her husband was called Smitty. Hearing that name made me smile because I remembered him coming to visit Mickey when I lived there. I knew then that the connection with Barbara was much more than a chance encounter.
I learned that Barbara & Bonnie had not seen each other in over 10 years, when Barbara last visited Bonnie & gave her a robe after learning of Bonnie's battle with breast cancer. It was then that I knew I was meant to bring these two old friends together again. So I set up a surprise reunion between Barbara & Bonnie. With a family members permission I drove Barbara to reconnect with Bonnie. Barbara knew about the reunion but I just told Bonnie I had a big surprise for her, she was so excited!
When Barbara & I showed up at the house Bonnie was staying at and the two old friends saw each other again it was so amazing! To have been a witness to that was something I will never ever forget!! We shared a wonderful lunch together & I listened as the two of them reconnected & shared stories of yester years.
Barbara and I became very close friends & I came to see her each day I visited Fred. We went on little field trips to the Riverwalk with Fred and on occasion some local outings together, she was such a special lady and she felt like family to me because of the strong connection.
Sadly, when Fred fell ill & was transferred to long term care, where he passed away, it was too hard for me to go to Spring Meadows anymore, but I called Barbara often. One day I called and learned she moved to a new facility in Joliet to be closer to family. I did reach out to her son at one point after finding him on Facebook. I tried to make arrangements to go visit her but it never happened, and then her number was changed so we lost touch. I regret not trying harder to keep that connection. I thought of Barbara often since then and always wondered how she was doing.
Today a memory popped up on Facebook of a day Barbara, Fred and I flew a kite, something we did a few times together after our first encounter. It prompted me to do a Google search to see if she was still with us today. That is when I found her obituary & learned of her passing. The last time I spoke with Barbara she told me her disease was really taking hold and that she didn't feel as though she had long to live, she told me then that she was ready to go. It broke my heart to hear her say that. That was several years ago. Perhaps subconsciously it was easier for me to lose touch with her than to see her go. I am happy to see she lived longer but saddened to see she has now passed on.
I will always remember our first encounter and will always cherish the time we had together! Barbara will "ALWAYS" hold a very, very special place in my heart! I loved sharing stories! Her disease may have stricken her body but her mind was sharp as an arrow! She spoke with such poise & articulation. I admired her strength & courage during her illness! She was such an inspiration because she rarely ever let it take control of her mind. Yes, she had some rough days in which she would tell me that she's shaking more than usual, but I would say to her, "girl you're just getting your twerk on", trying to make her laugh and lighten her burden. It always worked!
My heart is heavy learning of Barbara's passing but I also feel incredibly blessed & grateful to have had that beautiful time with her.
Forever a part of my heart! I hope she knew how much I loved her!
I shared some wonderful pictures of memories we shared. I welcome sharing them with any family members. If a Memorial is planned in the future please reach out to let me know, my email was provided.
Heaven certainly gained a beautiful Angel when Barbara arrived. Knowing she's there now I will reach out and talk to her as I do all those I loved who passed before me!
Blessings to all those she left behind! May the wonderful memories you shared with her fill the empty space in your hearts and ease the sadness you may feel from missing her!
Best Regards,
Nina Meiller
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Tom Driscoll posted a condolence
Friday, May 15, 2020
Smy,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I hope the great memories of her will help you and your family get through this difficult time. You, her, and your family are in our prayers.
The Driscoll Family
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Jim Sundling posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Hi John,
I was very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of your Mom. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. May your Mom rest in peace.
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Drew Kuhter Illinois "81 posted a condolence
Monday, May 11, 2020
John-
I'm sorry to hear about your mother passing away ! R.I.P.
Drew
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Judy Grote posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
When Barbara lived in Wheaton, she and I both belonged to a Walkers/ Talkers group. Also, we both became involved with adult spelling bees. We competed against each other several times. It was a lot of fun. I will miss Barbara. Blessings to all of you!
Judy Grote
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Rosanne (Lorance) Nuzzo posted a condolence
Sunday, May 3, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. We were neighbors on Oglesby in CC from the early ‘60s to the early ‘90s. I remember Barb and Rich being very sweet people. Your family will be in my prayers during this very difficult time period in history.
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Judy Keane posted a condolence
Friday, May 1, 2020
My sincere condolences to Barbara’s family. She was a lovely lady. I remember when we bumped into her in Door County & spent the evening at my Dad’s place in Jacksonport
May her soul Rest In Peace & may you find comfort at this time.
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Delfina and Brian Mortensen posted a condolence
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Karen, Chris, Elizabeth,Steven, and Peter~ So sorry to hear the passing of Barb. She was a very kind lady. Always made us feel welcome. She'll be missed... Our hearts go out to you all... Sending prayers. Hugs... Brian and Del
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Cris Vidmar and family lit a candle
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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Ed Skonie posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
To Smykowski Family:
Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you moments of peace and comfort. Aunt Barb will be missed.
Please accept our condolences
Ed & Tammy Skonie
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The family of Barbara Mae Smykowski uploaded a photo
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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